Originally Posted by macadian (Post 12148244)

After every use of the blower, top up the gas tank with stabilised gas. That is after each snow blowing session. Purpose is to prevent condensation forming inside the tank in the event a week or so passes before the next snow dump occurs. Added bonus is next time you need its services your good to go!

Originally Posted by Souvy (Post 12148279)

I'd appreciate advice on what stabiliser to buy. A link to the appropriate product on the CT website will suffice.

Originally Posted by R I C H (Post 12148287)

Sta-Bil Fuel Stabilizer, 236ml | Canadian Tire

Any brand will do, it just raises the octane rating, so as the fuel ages over time it helps retain its quality. Important to run it through the machine for a few minutes to stop carbs, throttle etc potentially gumming up with 'old' fuel sitting in them.

Originally Posted by Souvy (Post 12148047)

OK. Got it.

Fill it with gas. Clean up the spillage (thanks to Souvette buying and filling a 20-litre container, which is going to be a bugger to manipulate).

Plug in starter. Put the key in. Full choke and engine speed. Pump a couple of times and hit the starter button.

Reduce choke when motor running properly.

Select gear. I'll start low.

Aim chute to throw snow clear over the neighbour's hedge and well away from nipples, as well as anything else that may involve an insurance claim or litigation.

Blow.

Start getting certain neighbours being unusually nice to me.

Some time later, drain and replace the oil. Top up gas and shove some other stuff in it before throwing a tarp over it for a few months.

Have I got everything covered?

Originally Posted by Atlantic Xpat (Post 12145863)

You want one of the smaller Honda tracked models such as this one: http://powerequipment.honda.ca/snowblowers/dual-stage/hss622ctd

Not cheap but easier to manoeuvre I think.

Originally Posted by woodmanbg (Post 12156950)

Our first snowblower was purchased from The Home Depot, that went back after a week, load of crap. Our second a John Deere is a load of crap but works, try getting spare parts for the model we have (bought from John Deere) and they have problems locating the model on their books - don't even stock the snow shoes so my husband has to improvise.

Last winter we bought a superduper Husqvarna with all bells and whistles to keep me happy (I do the snowblowing!!), heated handles, drive release on both handles etc., makes turning easy BUT it is a brute to use and so far this winter it hasn't come out of the garage, preferring instead the crappy John Deere.

Originally Posted by woodmanbg (Post 12157001)

Yep you would think they would be so easy but with my new one I cannot change the direction of the shute unless I stop the machine. You have to press down hard on the stick and then move it left or right, this I have to do with the hand I broke my wrist February 2015 and it is not easy, in fact I have to use both hands to press down. With the John Deere you could just wind very easily as you went along, although with the vibration of the machine it would turn itself sometimes, not always a good idea! The one good thing going for the new machine is that it throws the snow a greater distance.

I am hoping the winter continues to be as good as it has so far been and that we won't need to get the brute out!